Tax break paperwork for seniors gets easier

Wednesday

BARTOW - Renewal of senior property tax exemptions will be easier from now on.

Tuesday, the County Commission approved a resolution proposed by Property Appraiser Marsha Faux to waive the annual application process.

The change will mean homeowners 65 years or older who meet income requirements will not have to reapply for the exemption annually once they qualify.

The exemption, which allows a tax exemption of up to $50,000 in addition to normal homestead exemption, only goes to homeowners who meet income requirements. The current adjusted income must be no more than $27,030.

Faux said the new process will save her office $14,814 a year and reduce staff time that has to be devoted to monitoring the exemption.

She said there are 6,943 senior exemptions in Polk County. Since the program began in 2001 there have been no problems with senior citizens filing for the exemption who no longer meet the requirements.

According to Faux's office, the law only provides exemptions from county and municipal taxes, not school taxes or taxes imposed by special taxing districts, such as water management districts.

Homeowners who have questions about their eligibility for the senior exemption or any other property tax exemption should contact the Polk County Property Appraiser's office at 863-534-4777.

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